Careers in Grant Writing

Looking for an entry level job or internship in grant writing? This is an overview of how to approach the search and a list of companies that might have relevant entry level and internship opportunities.

One of the nonprofits I’ve volunteered for that’s pretty prevalent across most college campuses is Habitat for Humanity. They’re focused on providing a decent place for everyone in the world to live. I’m lucky to have had the chance to help them construct a house for a family in need, but none of that could have happened without funding. In order to secure funding, Habitat had to work with a grant writer who helped them through the application process.

What a Grant Writer Does

A grant writer researches and writes grant proposals to obtain funding for a corporation, non-profit organization, or government agency. (A grant proposal is an application process for receiving funding.) A grant writer must have a broad knowledge of what the business or organization provides, so they must understand the program, its financial details, and where to find appropriate funding. Due to the knowledge base required, grant writers may choose to specialize in a particular field, such as educational grant writing or medical grant writing, which is typical of those who work at larger organizations. Those working at smaller organizations, where the majority of grant writing jobs fall, are “generalists”. In this case you are not only responsible for drafting proposals but are also charged with researching donors and managing grants that have been awarded.

A Typical Day for a Grant Writer

During a typical day, a grant writer might:

Write and develop grant proposals–detailed written plans of action

Edit the proposal

Submit it to the funding source and follow up

Consult with clients

Brainstorm workable solutions

Establish goals and objectives

Conduct research on potential donors

Work with staff to develop fundable programs

Ensure the program is being conducted as promised

Salary and Career Progression for a Grant Writer

A grant writer makes between $25,000 and $65,000 per year, with the median salary in 2009 being $51,967. If you freelance, you’d be looking at about $40 to $100 an hour depending on your level of experience. From there you can go on to become a Senior Grant Writer ($35,000-$102,000), a Director of Development ($31,000-$87,000), or a Director of Grants ($40,000-$98,000).

Best Locations for Grant Writers

Here are some hot spots for grant writers:

San Francisco, California

Raleigh, North Carolina

Los Angeles, California

Seattle, Washington

New York, New York

Austin, Texas

Baltimore, Maryland

Portland, Oregon

Boston, Massachusetts

Washington DC

Pros and Cons of Being a Grant Writer

Pros

Opportunity to freelance

You’ll be working for a good cause

Cons

Smaller salary

Requires very specific knowledge set in many cases

Lengthy projects, so not as much variety

What You Need to Know for a Career in Grant Writing

To be a grant writer you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, typically in English or Communications, or experience working with similar organizations in a similar capacity. Courses that are beneficial to grant writers include technical writing and editing classes. Some additional skills you’ll need are excellent writing skills, strong research skills, discipline and organization, and great communication skills.

Grant Writing Resources

If grant writing still sounds like your cup of tea, here are a few things you should do to get started.

International Council on Clean Transportation - International Council on Clean Transportation is a Washington, DC based org that aims “to improve the energy efficiency of road, marine, and air transportation."